Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 120 (Monday, June 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37333-37335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12799]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1024; Product Identifier 2019-CE-002-AD; Amendment 
39-21126; AD 2020-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the primary flight 
control actuation system (PFCAS) linear variable displacement 
transducer (LVDT) mechanical disconnect monitor may not trigger the 
disconnect of the affected control surfaces as required in the event of 
a control surface failure. This AD requires updating the software of 
each PFCAS remote electronics unit (REU), which includes an improvement 
to the LVDT. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 27, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For the Gulfstream and Parker service information identified 
in this final rule, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical 
Publications Dept., P.O Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone: 
(800) 810-4853; fax: (912) 965-3520; email: [email protected]; 
internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1024.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1024; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Myles Jalalian, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 
30337; phone: (404) 474-5572; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2019 (84 FR 68363).
    The NPRM was prompted by a report from Gulfstream that the PFCAS 
LVDT mechanical disconnect monitor may not trigger the disconnect of 
the affected control surfaces as required in the event of a control 
surface failure. The Model GVI flight control computer actuator LVDT 
disconnect monitor should disable the control surface for ailerons, 
elevators, and rudder in the event that one of those control surfaces 
fails. Gulfstream developed an REU software update that provides 
improvements to the LVDT of the PFCAS, which addresses the LVDT 
disconnect monitor problem.
    This condition, if not addressed, could lead to spoiler hard-over 
or loss of structural integrity due to excessive surface deflection and 
result in loss of control of the airplane.
    The NPRM proposed to require updating the software of each PFCAS 
REU, which includes an improvement to the LVDT. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 37334]]

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 201, 
dated September 28, 2017, and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin 
Number 201, dated September 28, 2017; which specify incorporating 
Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 069, dated September 28, 2017, 
or Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 069, dated September 28, 
2017. This service information differs because each document applies to 
a different airplane designation.
    The FAA also reviewed Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 069, 
dated September 28, 2017, and Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 
069, dated September 28, 2017, which provide and reference procedures 
for preparing the REU for a software update.
    The FAA reviewed Parker Service Bulletin 469000-27-003, Revision 1, 
dated October 11, 2017, which contains procedures for updating the 
software of the REU from Label 34 to Label 35. This update includes 
improved LVDT disconnect and oscillatory monitoring, force fight 
mitigation, troubleshooting, and rectification of other reported 
problems.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 161 products installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update REU software...............  386 work-hours x $85   None.................         $32,810      $5,282,410
                                     per hour = $32,810.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this d AD may 
be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2020-11-01 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-21126; 
Docket No. FAA-2019-1024; Product Identifier 2019-CE-002-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 27, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 6001 through 
6111, 6113 through 6133, and 6135 through 6274.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model GVI airplanes are also 
referred to by the marketing designations G650 and G650ER.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the primary flight control 
actuation system (PFCAS) linear variable displacement transducer 
(LVDT) mechanical disconnect monitor may not trigger the disconnect 
of the affected control surfaces as required in the event of a 
control surface failure. This condition, if not addressed, could 
lead to spoiler hard-over or loss of structural integrity due to 
excessive surface deflection and result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Software Upgrade

    Within the next 24 months after July 27, 2020 (the effective 
date of this AD), update

[[Page 37335]]

the software for each PFCAS remote electronics unit (REU) from Label 
34 to Label 35 by following the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 201, dated September 28, 
2017, or Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 201, dated 
September 28, 2017; the Modification Instructions, sections A 
through C, in Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change No. 069, dated 
September 28, 2017, or Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change No. 
069, dated September 28, 2017; and the Accomplishment Instructions 
in Parker Service Bulletin 469000-27-003, Revision 1, dated October 
11, 2017; except you are not required to submit information to the 
manufacturer.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

 (i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Myles Jalalian, 
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5572; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 5.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 201, dated 
September 28, 2017. (ii) Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 
201, dated September 28, 2017.
    (iii) Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 069, dated 
September 28, 2017.
    (iv) Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 069, dated 
September 28, 2017.
    (v) Parker Service Bulletin 469000-27-003, Revision 1, dated 
October 11, 2017
    (3) For Gulfstream and Parker service information identified in 
this AD, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications 
Dept., P.O Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-
4853; fax: (912) 965-3520; email: [email protected]; internet: 
https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. In 
addition, you can access this service information on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-1024.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12799 Filed 6-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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